Floating interactive display could be used in ATMs of the future

The Aerial Imaging (AI) Plate, developed by Asukanet, is a next-generation display device which can form an image which appears to be floating in midair from light that passes through it.

“At first sight, our AI Plate just looks like a sheet of glass. But in fact, it’s an optical device, designed to reflect light twice. An ordinary mirror just reflects things, but the AI Plate forms an image from light passing through the plate, at the same distance beyond the plate as the object is from the plate. Unfortunately, with a 2D camera, the floating object doesn’t actually appear to be floating, so it looks as if it’s just stuck to the glass.”

“Of course, one way of using this plate is digital signage, to show advertisements in the air. But our next development theme will be finding applications if the plate is made interactive, by combining it with sensors. For example, if an image of sushi is floating in the air, and you order some, the plate could become a point of sale device and take your order. The biggest feature of the plate is that if you switch it off, you get a flat table with nothing on it. So you can then eat your food right there, for example.”

Asukanet is also developing new technology, as an evolution of the AI Plate.